Friends of Marymoor Park

Bird Sightings Week 30
July 23-29*

Rarities for Week 30:

Sora	24-Jul-05	Reported by Ned McGarry. Bird remained 13-Jul through 03-Aug
...Sora	27-Jul-05	Just above weir.
Long-billed Dowitcher	24-Jul-08	At the holding pond near Velodrome restrooms
Solitary Sandpiper	26-Jul-18	Far side of slough south of Dog Area
Lesser Yellowlegs	25-Jul-01	On the weir
Ash-throated Flycatcher	29-Jul-11	Reported and photographed by Dasha Gudalewicz
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	23-Jul-16	Photographed by Matthew Waggoner, with Kristin Johnson
Bank Swallow	25-Jul-18
House Wren	27-Jul-07	Reported by Matt Dufort. Near the Velodrome

Report for July 27, 2023 Birding at Marymoor

With sunny skies, temps in the high '60's, and not a breath of wind, it was a lazy day at Marymoor today. Many, many juvenile birds along with their shabbily-dressed parents made for a bit of head-scratching now and then about the identity of silent half-hidden birds. But a fine day to be out.

Highlights:

Wood Duck - Female with six tiny ducklings
Great Blue Heron - nesting 99% completed. Down to only a dozen or two birds noted
Green Heron - One below the weir, one from the Lake Platform
Osprey - Bringing fish to the nests
Bushtit - One >>>ERROR: Invalid count for this species<<< No, really, a lone bird. Didn't even hear others nearby
Marsh Wren - Adult feeding juvenile, seen from early part of the boardwalk
Swainson's Thrush - Not sure I ever heard a song, but quite a bit of "Wheet" calls, and several views
Purple Finch - Probably a High Count (20-25), mostly juveniles
Black-throated Gray Warbler - Probably at least two along west edge of Dog Meadow
Wilson's Warbler - One cagy bird in the SW corner of the East Meadow. First since May

A late scan of the lake turned up a couple of surprises while I was checking the identity of a couple of gulls (Glaucous-winged, and a hybrid). First, a MERLIN darted towards the Lake Platform only to be driven off by a dozen or so IRATE PURPLE MARTINS. Then, I had a fly-by of four small, brownish shorebirds. My guess is LEAST SANDPIPER, which is also the most seasonably reasonable brownish shorebird.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, Kazuto Shibata had EASTERN KINGBIRD at the park, with two their yesterday.

I went over in the late afternoon yesterday, found no kingbirds, but did find a tight flock of about 50 BARN SWALLOWS, many of them juveniles. Mixed in were at least 1-2 each of TREE SWALLOW, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, >>>BANK SWALLOW<<<, and CLIFF SWALLOW. Both Rough-winged and Bank were First of Year (FOY) for me at the park.

Misses today included Pied-billed Grebe (though I had 2-3 yesterday), Vaux's Swift, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Brown-headed Cowbird.

For the day, 57 species, including shorebird sp. and black-wingtipped gull sp.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for July 28, 2022 Birding at Marymoor

It was sunny, hot, and quiet at the park this morning. 64 degrees at the start, but pretty quickly into the mid-70s and maybe higher. Remarkably free of ...

Highlights:

Gadwall - at least one male in the slough, but tough ID in eclipse plumage time
Great Blue Heron - heard at least one juvenile on the nests still, but very few (<10) GBHE total
Green Heron - one juvenile just above the weir
Barn Owl - Matt had one pre-dawn at the south end of the East Meadow
Hairy Woodpecker - adult male at start of boardwalk
Black-throated Gray Warbler - probably two, probably both juveniles, across the slough from the Rowing Club dock
Black-headed Grosbeak - one at east end of boardwalk. Had none last week

Several juvenile BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS being fed; towhee, song sparrow, and junco may all have been subjected to this chore.

Very few swallows around (fewer than 15 birds combined). Our first week of the summer without Bullock's Oriole, Lazuli Bunting.

Misses included Hooded Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Sandpiper, and Violet-green Swallow.

Despite that short list of misses, just 56 species. That's why we call these the summer doldrums.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for July 29, 2021 Birding at Marymoor

The “perfect” weather continues. I really wish we’d get a soaking rain sometimes instead, even if I bring it down upon us for next Thursday by saying so. The park needs a bath. But as for birds, today was pretty much back to the doldrums. Good looks were hard to come by, and so many of the birds are juveniles in shabby, drab clothing.

Highlights:

Gadwall – female and two ducklings in the slough below the Rowing Club dock. Only our 2nd sighting in seven weeks
Spotted Sandpiper – after dipping at the weir, we were happy to get one from the Lake Platform
Gulls – very distant from Lake Platform. A late scan of the lake revealed one definite “Olympic”, one probable California
Caspian Tern – at least 1 again; 8th straight week
Great Blue Heron – less than 10 seen. The heronry appeared to be down to its last juvenile
Green Heron – juvenile below the weir, adult at Rowing Club pond
Osprey – some of the 3 juveniles at the ballfields light nest may already have fledged. The new nest at the gravel parking lot has two large juveniles on it!
Barn Owl – Matt saw one well, around 5
Western Screech-Owl – Matt had one on the boardwalk fence very pre-dawn
Great Horned Owl – ??? – I saw an owl from the Viewing Mound that seemed too dark and maybe too bulky for Barn, but it quickly disappeared into the fog
Red-breasted Sapsucker – one in the NW corner of the Dog Area
Hairy Woodpecker – one along slough near the start of the boardwalk
Purple Martin – two still-active nests in the gourds. More at the boxes in the NE corner of the lake
Violet-green Swallow – only 1, at the Rowing Club
Barn Swallow – 2-3
Red-winged Blackbird – a flock of nearly 20 at the Lake Platform; first in 3 weeks
Lazuli Bunting – only one, a juvenile in the East Meadow

We did have a “Black-tailed” MULE DEER on the far side of the slough below the weir. I had a LONG-TAILED WEASEL yesterday near the East Kiosk. JUPITER is very nice at around 5 a.m. these days.

Misses today included Pied-billed Grebe, Warbling Vireo, Tree Swallow, Bushtit, and Yellow Warbler.

For the day, 58 species, but good looks only about 45 of them.

== Michael Hobbs

Report for July 22, 2020 Birding at Marymoor

For a long stretch, this morning was the worst of the July doldrums. Dark overcast made seeing birds almost impossible. And the birds were also mostly silent. And there didn’t seem to be many of them in the first place. Later in the morning, the light improved slightly, and we actually found some birds, but it was a bit of a slog until then. At least we didn’t have precipitation.

Highlights:

Spotted Sandpiper – one of our late morning birds; one flew down the slough, seen from the Rowing Club
Caspian Tern – one from the Lake Platform
Western Screech-Owl – Matt heard one predawn from near the Lake Platform
GREAT HORNED OWL – We followed the mobbing calls of crows to find this bird in the dense trees SE of the mansion
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER – One at the Rowing Club in a mixed flock; this is the first for the Survey in 2020, though others have reported them at Marymoor this year
Orange-crowned Warbler – one photographed, another glimpsed. Not a common bird at Marymoor in late July
Black-throated Gray Warbler – at least one, west edge of Dog Meadow

The biggest highlights were the mammals:

Virginia Opossum – one in the slough below the weir
Eastern Gray Squirrel – near the mansion
Muskrat – one in the slough south of the Dog Area
Eastern Cottontail – many
Townsend’s Mole – one freshly dead one
Bat sp. – Matt had at least one pre-dawn
River Otter – presumed family group of 3 at the weir being very cute
Mule Deer – one seen from the Viewing Mound

No sign of any Rufous Hummingbirds, Bullock’s Orioles, nor buntings. Misses for the day included Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Green Heron, Steller’s Jay, Cliff Swallow, and Yellow Warbler.

For the day, we eked out 60 species, many of them heard only and/or represented by only 1-2 birds.

== Michael Hobbs

Anna's Hummingbird. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for July 25, 2019 Birding at Marymoor

It was a gorgeous morning at the park today, with great light for viewing. Not of a lot of excitement in terms of unexpected species, but there was a lot to see.

Highlights:

Rock Pigeon – after no sightings for weeks, Eric saw two near the mansion last week, and we had two there today
Rufous Hummingbird – only 1 seen today
Spotted Sandpiper – two flying the slough *above* the weir today
Great Blue Heron – heronry almost completely empty, and few total birds seen today
Green Heron – one at the Rowing Club pond
Osprey – 2 babies on each of the two nests
Barn Owl – Matt saw a juvenile on the windmill at 4
Pileated Woodpecker – two flew in from the west towards the mansion area
MERLIN – quick flyby – looked quite dark
Willow Flycatcher – one of the most numerous birds, with many juveniles seen
Red-eyed Vireo – one heard singing near Dog Central, again
Purple Martin – young in all four gourds, with 3 young in the rear left one. 18 birds seen total at one point around the gourds (incl. babies in the gourds).
Tree Swallow – only a couple
Violet-green Swallow – only one
Cedar Waxwing – ubiquitous
Savannah Sparrow – only 1 ! ???
Bullock’s Oriole – two (both juv?) near East Footbridge
Brown-headed Cowbird – juveniles being fed by Common Yellowthroat and Dark-eyed Junco
Orange-crowned Warbler – two
Yellow Warbler – several
Wilson’s Warbler – two – female, adult male
Black-headed Grosbeak – one adult male, maybe 10 total birds

Misses today included: Pied-billed Grebe, Cliff Swallow, and Marsh Wren

For the day, 61 species

== Michael Hobbs

Barn Owl. Photo by Matt Bartels

Western Screech-Owl. Photo by Matt Bartels

Young Brown-headed Cowbirds being fed by their Dark-eyed Junco "parent"
Photo by Bob Asanoma

Subadult male Bullock's Oriole Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for July 26, 2018 Birding at Marymoor

Matt Bartells and I substituted for Michael today at Marymoor. The day started out decent and quickly got really warm. Birding was reasonable for late July, but we had to work for some birds.

The best bird of the day was a SOLITARY SANDPIPER that was along the Sammamish River, one of the few times it has been seen at Marymoor.

We wound up with 59 species for the day with some nice views and lots of young birds around.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville WA

Canada Goose
Wood Duck female, young
Mallard m, f
Hooded Merganser apparent juv, all @ RC
Pied-billed Grebe one @ RC, doing display
Band-tailed Pigeon
Vaux's Swift
Anna's Hummingbird m, f, young
Rufous Hummingbird immature
Killdeer 5 adult, 2 imm
Spotted Sandpiper 2 ad, 1 imm
SOLITARY SANDPIPER far side of slough, just south of Dog Area
Great Blue Heron ad, imm
Green Heron adult [Michael also had 1 imm]
Osprey ad, imm
Bald Eagle heard only
Cooper's Hawk 2 immatures, calling, maybe near nest site?
Red-tailed Hawk
Barn Owl heard only , imm, windmill, predawn
Western Screech-Owl heard only, predawn
Belted Kingfisher m, f
Downy Woodpecker heard, 1 seen was imm
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher many, singing, calling
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Purple Martin ad, imm
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit 2 big flocks
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Marsh Wren heard only, singing
Bewick's Wren singing, one dust bathing
Golden-crowned Kinglet singing
Swainson's Thrush heard only,singing
American Robin
European Starling ad, imm
Cedar Waxwing ad, imm
House Finch m, f, singing
Purple Finch heard only, singing
American Goldfinch m, f, singing
Spotted Towhee m, f, imm [several]
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow ad, imm
White-crowned Sparrow ad, imm
Dark-eyed Junco ad, imm
Bullock's Oriole adult male, imm , adult feeding imm
Red-winged Blackbird 1 m, 2 f/imm
Brown-headed Cowbird m, f, imm being fed by COYE
Common Yellowthroat m, f, imm,singing
Yellow Warbler singing, m imm
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 m, 1 imm
Wilson's Warbler male, singing
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 male
Lazuli Bunting male

Sunrise. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Canada Geese. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Adult male Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Adult Pied-billed Grebe. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Solitary Sandpiper. Photo by Bob Asanoma

River Otter. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Savannah Sparrow. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for July 27, 2017 Birding at Marymoor

There was a high, heavy overcast today, and when we got to the Rowing Club, we actually had mist and mizzle! The day was excruciatingly quiet, except for a few ever-present species. Not a lot of surprises this time of year except for the list of missed species. Highlights: Canada Goose – several small to medium sized groups Rufous Hummingbird – found two, though their season is winding down Bald Eagle – clumsy juvenile near the nest, so at least one fledged baby Accipiter sp. – almost certainly Cooper’s, but across the slough Western Screech-Owl – saw one juvenile, and saw and/or heard a 2nd, 4:30 a.m. Merlin – one just west of Rowing Club parking lot Swallows – down to a single Purple Martin, ~20 Barns, and 1-2 white-bellied swallows Cedar Waxwing – constant presence, many Common Yellowthroat – very large numbers, though many heard-only BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER – two near 2nd Dog Swim Beach Western Tanager – 1-2, East Meadow. First since May Brown-headed Cowbird – one juvenile being fed by Song Sparrow along boardwalk Besides the owl, the biggest highlight was probably a family of four RIVER OTTERS at the weir, and a mother and spotted faun Mule Deer (Black-tailed) at the Rowing Club. For the day, just 51 species of bird. == Michael Hobbs	Western Screech-Owl. Photo by Michael Hobbs Killdeer. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Osprey. Photo by Hugh Jennings	River Otters. Photo by Hugh Jennings
River Otters. Photo by Bob Asanoma	River Otters. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Merlin. Photo by Michael Hobbs	Mule Deer. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for July 28, 2016 Birding at Marymoor

Another really nice morning, with a nice sunrise and lots of birds early on. By about 8:30, things got pretty quiet, though. Highlights: Green Heron At least two, maybe more. Heard often along slough Osprey Young have fledged, I believe VIRGINIA RAIL Subadult below weir, another heard by start of boardwalk Spotted Sandpiper 2-3 juveniles, 1 adult at weir Barn Owl Heard at windmill early W. SCREECH-OWL Matt & Sharon heard, glimpsed 2 near start of boardwalk, 5a.m. Pileated Woodpecker One on odd-snag west of park entrance Purple Martin Nest exchange at far left gourd at lake Tree Swallow Still a gourd full of babies, both parents feeding at lake Yellow Warbler Adult and juvenile(s) seen, also heard singing B.-thr. Gray Warbler At least a half-dozen, mostly juveniles Wilson’s Warbler 1-2, female/juvenile – First of Fall Western Tanager Male in Aspen at first dog swim beach Still lots of juveniles about from many species, but our nesting birds are definitely on the way out. For many species, numbers of birds have dropped remarkably since last week or the week before. We had only 2 or 3 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, for instance, and 2-3 GREAT BLUE HERONS, down from scores a month ago. Misses this week included Hooded Merganser, Rufous Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Cliff Swallow, and Red-winged Blackbird. For the day, 56 species, down from 64 species last week. == Michael Hobbs	Subadult Virginia Rail. Photo by Bob Asanoma Subadult Virgina Rail. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Fog over the meadows, taken from the Viewing Mound. Photo by Michael Hobbsr
Adult Spotted Sandpiper. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Adult Spotted Sandpiper. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Killdeer. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Brown Creeper. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Northern Flicker. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Bald-faced Hornet Nest, low in a bush next to the slough. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Juvenile Wood Ducks. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Adult Green Heron. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Northern Harrier, 2016-07-26. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Northern Harrier, 2016-07-26. Photo by Kazuto Shibata

Report for July 23, 2016 Birding at Marymoor

New Marymoor Park Bird - Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, 2016-07-23

Two photos by Matthew Waggoner, with Kristin Johnson

Report for July 23, 2015 Birding at Marymoor

We had a great day today, under a patchy, thin overcast that moderated the temperatures and made viewing a little less glary. We’re moving into the post-breeding season, possibly a little earlier than usual, and birds are beginning to move around. Highlights: Great Blue Heron Done with nesting; only TWO seen (at lake) Green Heron Two juveniles at Rowing Club pond Spotted Sandpiper Two juveniles, still with some down, at weir - Pretty much clinches that they bred in the park Mourning Dove One at Viewing Mound Barn Owl 2 babies heard in windmill, 3+ birds flying meadows Rufous Hummingbird Still 3-4, all at Pea Patch All 5 Woodpeckers Peregrine (?) Falcon Seen flying around, NE of mansion Western Wood-Pewee Quite a few, very vocal (odd calls) and active Pacific-Slope Flycatcher 1 in great mixed flock, South end of Dog Meadow CASSIN’S VIREO In the great mixed flock. First of Year Purple Martin Parents feeding 2 babies in gourd at lake Yellow-rumped Warbler Female feeding 3 young near park office Black-throated Gray Warbler At least 4, several sightings, part of great flock Wilson’s Warbler One in great mixed flock, one other sighting Lazuli Bunting Male in Dog Meadow, possibly with some juvies For the day, 66 species! == Michael Hobbs	Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at weir. Note the tufts of down still remaining at the nape, and beneath the tail. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bushtit. Photo by Ollie Oliver	That's no Bushtit. What's dropping in? Photo by Ollie Oliver
Young male Black-throated Gray Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Female Black-throated Gray Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cassin's Vireo, presumably first-fall. Coloration is much like a Hutton's Vireo, but the eye ring is even around the bottom, back, and top, and has a clean break in the front. Lores are dark, and there is paleness above the dark lores, giving a spectacled look.	In this shot, it almost looks like the eyering disappears at the top, but if you look closely, its plainly apparent.
Cassin's Vireo close-up, showing even eye-ring, broken only by a neat slaty bar at the front of the eye. Three photos by Ollie Oliver.	Young male Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Female Purple Martin feeding young at Lake Platform gourd. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Two baby Purple Martins in gourd. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Baby wants more. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Feeding the other nestling. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Hairy Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Mourning Dove at Viewing Mound. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Fledgling Yellow-rumped Warbler just northeast of the mansion. There were at least two young birds on the ground, and an adult female came down to feed them. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Young Red-breasted Sapsucker beginning to get red on the head and throat, and some white on the breast. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile American Crow showing red a the gape. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Warbling Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Young Green Heron stretching at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Green Heron primping in the mirror. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cooper's Hawk mobbed by a swallow, 2015-07-17. Photo by Lillian Reis	Adult White-crowned Sparrow, 2015-07-17. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for July 24, 2014 Birding at Marymoor

Don’t Know Why It’s November in July Stormy Weather” Actually, today wasn’t nearly as bad as yesterday. We had nothing much more than drizzle, and even were free of that for about half the morning. However, it was dark and damp, and none too warm. The park was full of birds, but not a lot of surprises; it was filled with juveniles of common, ordinary birds for the most part. Identifications were the difficult part. Highlights: Canada Goose Dozens (50+ birds?); first large numbers since winter Common Merganser One below weir Pied-billed Grebe Large juvenile at lake; first since April Great Blue Heron At least 1 bird still on a nest Spotted Sandpiper One at weir Glaucous-winged Gull Several to many ~20 immature large-looking gulls in a flock Barn Owl Matt had two sightings pre-dawn BLACK SWIFT 4-5 over lake Purple Martin Active at nest gourds, and over lake -Swallows- Many juveniles, and a higher-than-usual count of Cliffs Yellow-rumped Warbler At least 1 NE of mansion Bl.-throated Gray Warbler 2+ at south end of Dog Meadow - Sparrows - Many juveniles of all 5 breeding species Western Tanager One heard, south end of Dog Meadow Lazuli Bunting Male along west edge of East Meadow We also had a LONG-TAILED WEASEL at the south end of the Dog Meadow again this week, and a couple of RIVER OTTERS at the lake. For the day, 61 species. == Michael Hobbs	Adult White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver Female Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Warbling Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Female Purple Martin. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Marsh Wren. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Female Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Ollie Oliver Two birds, same habitat, same size, same posture, somewhat similar coloration...
Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow in unfortunate tween plumage. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Swainson's Thrush. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Adult male Mallard (foreground) and adult female behind. Note distinctive bill colors. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for July 25, 2013 Birding at Marymoor

Okay – Summer Doldrums. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. It started out cool (50 degrees) but quickly warmed up to 72. I won’t say it wasn’t birdy, because we did see some stuff (and we probably missed some stuff too – sounds and glimpses that “could-have-been”...) But, really, the list at this time of year is rather predictable, and isn’t all that long, and... Well, actually, it was a pretty good day. Highlights: Canada Goose 70 (up from the 12 we’ve been getting) Virginia Rail A couple heard on the far side of the slough again Caspian Tern One over lake Rufous Hummingbird A couple of probable juveniles Purple Martin 2-3 over the lake Tree Swallow One box still active – 2nd clutch? Wilson’s Warbler At least 2, after 6 week absence And a good day for mammals: Eastern Gray Squirrel Mansion area Beaver Swimming above weir Muskrat Swimming above weir - great comparison Eastern Cottontail Abundant Black-tailed Deer Near windmill For the day, 54 species. For the year, we’re at 142 species. == Michael Hobbs	One of two Rock Pigeon who were, surprisingly, roosting in firs near the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver
White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Male Purple Martin. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver
American Beaver. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Muskrat. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bass?. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Black-tailed Deer, 2013-07-24. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Three juvenile Osprey on the nest with Mom, 2013-07-24. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Osprey on the nest with Mom, 2013-07-24. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile American Robin, 2013-07-24. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Marsh Wren, 2013-07-24. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for July 26, 2012 Birding at Marymoor

We had a very fine day today, with gorgeous weather (not too hot, not too cold, sunny). And it was surprisingly birdy, especially after last week's yawner. Highlights: Wood Duck We continue to see small ducklings Common Merganser Mother with seven ducklings at lake Pied-billed Grebe 1 juvenile in slough above weir Green Heron 1 seen at lake, maybe another heard American Coot 1 at lake - only 2nd sighting since April Barn Owl Matt had several near windmill EARLY Red-breasted Sapsucker One near start of boardwalk Pileated Woodpecker 1 heard several times Western Wood-Pewee Adult visiting nest in Cottonwood Forest Cassin's Vireo Nice looking bird singing at Dog Central Purple Martin Male at gourd, later pair over east footbridge Brown Creeper 4 sightings Western Tanager Nice male near start of boardwalk Lazuli Bunting Male near Pea Patch, chased by baby cowbird Brewer's Blackbird Pair on grass soccer fields Besides the LAZULI BUNTING interactions with a baby cowbird, we also saw a YELLOW WARBLER feeding a cowbird, and saw several other begging babies where we couldn't tell for sure who might be feeding them. On a brighter breeding note, at least 2 of the TREE SWALLOW nest boxes in the East Meadow had babies hanging out of the hole to be fed. We also found a CEDAR WAXWING nest. For the day, 62 species. == Michael Hobbs	Song Sparrow attending to juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Lillian Reis Yellow Warbler bringing food to Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Lillian Reis
Male Downy Woodpecker in Red Elderberry. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Cassin's Vireo. Photo by Lillian Reis
Cedar Waxwing on a nest. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Willow Flycatcher. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Wood-Pewee on nest in Big Cottonwood Forest	Common Merganser with seven ducklings. Photo by Lillian Reis
Male Brewer's Blackbird. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Brewer's Blackbird pair on grass soccer fields. Photo by Hugh Jennigns
Common Merganser with seven ducklings. Photo by Lillian Reis	Eight-spotted Skimmer at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for July 28, 2011 Birding at Marymoor

It was a fabulous day at Marymoor. The dawn was gorgeous, with a sliver of a moon, Mt. Rainier to the south, and wispy (though fairly dense) ground fog that cleared by the time we started. It was just 48 degrees at 6:00 a.m., but with the sunshine it warmed nicely. There were lots of birds to see; not many singing, though, and we had to puzzle through quite a bit of odd bird noises that we don't know nearly as well as their songs. Lots of baby birds were about, some still tended by adults. Fall migration is definitely beginning. Highlights: Canada Goose Flocking up - maybe 80 or more Green Heron Several looks - lake and Rowing Club Cooper's Hawk 2 sightings (maybe same bird) MERLIN Flew north over Community Gardens GREATER YELLOWLEGS Flew circles over lake platform calling Ring-billed Gull 1 adult. Also 2 unidentified gulls earlier Barn Owl Babies still calling from windmill predawn Pileated Woodpecker Scott saw one fly east from boardwalk Warbling Vireo One feeding a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD COMMON RAVEN One flew south down East Lake Samm Pkwy Orange-crowned Warbler Scruffy (juvenile?) bird near 3rd dog swim beach WESTERN TANAGER One (female or imm.), west edge of Dog Meadow Most of the summer birds were still around, though we saw no Tree Swallows nor Purple Martins. Obvious baby birds included Mallard, Barn Owl, Anna's Hummingbird, American Crow, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird, though I'm sure we saw juveniles of other species (Canada Goose, Bushtit, etc.) that weren't so obvious. The GREATER YELLOWLEGS was just our 5th confirmed sighting for the park, and the first since 2007 (though there was a probable one in 2009). COMMON RAVENS are not common at Marymoor (18 sightings now). Most of the reports are from Sept-Jan, with three sightings in March. This was just our 2nd sighting from the April-August window, the other one being from JULY 26, 2006. We had 60 species for the day. The yellowlegs and raven were new for the year - I think that puts us at 148 for 2011. == Michael Hobbs	Canada Geese in the morning fog. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz Merlin. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Mallards, demonstrating "dabbling". Photo by Ollie Oliver	Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Osprey. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Great Blue Heron. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Warbling Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird that was being fed by the vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Greater Yellowlegs circling over the lake platform. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Greater Yellowlegs circling over the lake platform. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Greater Yellowlegs circling over the lake platform. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Greater Yellowlegs circling over the lake platform. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Male (left) and female American Goldfinch. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Anna's Hummingbird chase. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Juvenile male Anna's Hummingbird. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Juvenile Barn Swallows, 2011-07-20. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Juvenile Barn Swallow begging desperately, 2011-07-20. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Adult Barn Swallow feeding young, 2011-07-20. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Juvenile Juvenile Barn Swallow, 2011-07-20. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

Report for July 29, 2010

I guess today I should have called this the Marymoor Parking Lot Report, as several thousand cars were being parked there, and 60 school busses were being used to take people to Sahalee golf course for the USGA Senior Tour tournament. Except for having to park near the mansion, instead of our usual spot, we weren't too, too impacted by the traffic though. The day was cool and gray, and we even had traces of mist late. There were a few mosquitoes out still, but maybe a touch less bad than previous weeks (some people may disagree with me there...) We're beginning to see the beginnings of post-breeding dispersal, which made things just a little more interesting than the doldrums last week. Highlights started with a parade of birds all stopping at the dead elm tree west of the mansion. We had 3 woodpecker species, at least 2 finch species, plus robin, oriole, and tanager. Maybe more stuff. It was fun. Highlights: Cooper's Hawk Matt had one early MERLIN Landed in Snag Row 5 woodpecker day R-b Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy, Pileated, Flicker Purple Martins Using both gourd nests at lake Baby swallows galore Mostly Violet-green and Barn, but a few Cliff too Orange-crowned Warbler One in Dog Meadow edge Western Tanager Nice male, and maybe 1 other Bullock's Oriole As mentioned above, near mansion For the day, 60 species. We also had a mother and baby deer at the Rowing Club == Michael	Male Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher
Female Purple Martin. Photo by Ollie Oliver	House Finch caught in netting a the Pea Patch (we freed it)
Merlin in Snag Row	Merlin. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Mule Deer and fawn at Rowing Club	Ollie's photo of the fawn
Eagle turns tables on a crow. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-27	Raccoon eying Mallards. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-28

Report for July 23, 2009

Not the best day at the park. It was chilly and windy with heavy overcast. Singing was way down from previous weeks. It was dark. Birds were hard to find. Highlights: Hooded Merganser Two half-grown young at the Rowing Club Osprey There are 2 young on the nest, not 1 as I thought Accipiter sp. One near weir caused consternation amongst blackbirds Barn Owl Scott had two early on, one east and one west Hummingbirds The Pea Patch featured both Anna's and Rufous Warbling Vireo One in the East Meadow, more at RC Purple Martin One went in a gourd prev. used by Tree Swallows Wilson's Warbler One heard singing south of East Meadow - First of Fall Bullock's Oriole 1-2 juveniles Brown-headed Cowbird No adults, mostly unaccompanied juvies There were lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS overhead in large flocks much of the morning, but only one VAUX'S SWIFT, and no Black Swifts nor Tree Swallows. Mammals were more of a highlight, with a MUSKRAT and two sightings of RACCOON, one in the slough near Dog Central and one asleep in a tree at the Rowing Club boathouse. Despite the weather, we ended up with a moderately respectable species count of 55 species, though about 7 of those were heard only, and a few more were only glimpsed. == Michael	Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird, illustrating just how bland they look Muskrat in slough
Raccoon across slough from Dog Central	Dead fish (4 inches long) - perch?
2 male and 1 female American Goldfinch on the path next to the East Meadow	Female Anna's Hummingbird on a Red Elderberry in the Community Gardens
Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow	Raccoon asleep next to the boathouse at the Rowing Club

Report for July 24, 2008

There were 17 of us today on a rather chilly day for July. It did eventually warm up, but people were digging gloves out of pockets, wishing for vests, and generally feeling a bit out of season. The birds more than made up for it though. The big highlight was a new park bird - LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER - at the retaining pond near the "event pad" (the paved 5-acres that Cirque du Soleil uses). We had about 5 Master Birders and a couple of other people over there early. It was still a struggle to identify. The other big highlight was from last Saturday, when Megan Lyden found a pair of BARRED OWLS at the Rowing Club. Matt had them (or at least one of them) there again early this morning (before 5am). Both of those are new for the Marymoor list, which now stands at 205. We also had our first SPOTTED SANDPIPER of 2008, which flew down to the weir. In the cattails just upstream of the weir, Mark spotted a VIRGINIA RAIL. We seldom get to see them. Juvenile GREEN HERONS - probably 4 or more - were all along the slough and out at the lake. We had a four warbler day, with a couple of YELLOW WARBLER, a male WILSON'S WARBLER, a juvenile YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and many (mostly juvenile) COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. We had a COOPER'S HAWK, probably the female from the nest, in the Doug Firs northeast of the mansion. It was about 10 feet down a dying tree, and was being mobbed by CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and GOLDEN-CROWENED KINGLETS. Between the mansion and the park office we had the three juvenile Coops hanging out together. Great looks. LOTS of baby birds all around, and such "heartwarming" sights as a WARBLING VIREO feeding a baby BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. Great looks, but... Various of the 17 of us reported great mammal sightings too. Matt and Scott had a howling COYOTE in the East Meadow early. Later we found the entrails of a rabbit there; probably left by the coyote. Brian had RIVER OTTER at the entrance bridge. Several people spotted LONG-TAILED WEASEL and EASTERN COTTONTAIL. The only live mammal I managed to see was EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL :( For the day, 61 species of bird. == Michael	Ollie Oliver's photo of one of two Barred Owls at the Rowing Club on Saturday, July 19th. Matt was able to see one (and maybe glimpse another) early today at the parking lot area of the Rowing Club.
Long-billed Dowitcher at the storm water retention pond near the Velodrome	The bird appears to be an adult just beginning to molt into non-breeding plumage
One of the many sightings of juvenile Green Heron along the slough	Simultaneous front and back views of Savannah Sparrow in the East Meadow
"Oregon" Dark-eyed Junco at the Community Gardens	American Robin atop an umbrella at the Community Gardens
Anna's Hummingbird at the Community Gardens	The American Chestnut tree, just inside the gate at the mansion, is in bloom!
One of the three juvenile Cooper's Hawks near the mansion	All three of the young Cooper's Hawks in one tree
Ollie Oliver's photo of a Spotted Sandpiper at the weir.	Ollie Oliver's photo of a Warbling Vireo feeding a juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird
Ollie Oliver's photo of American Goldfinches	Ollie Oliver's photo of a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

Report for July 26, 2007

Michael Hobbs is in southern California with Tim at National track meet, so Matt Bartels and I subbed for him. The Michael effect seems to be broken as we did NOT have an unusual birds at Marymoor today.

We started out the day at Marymoor clear with a temperature of 55F. It was obviously the end of July with minimal singing and tons of juveniles around. We took a little over two hours to cover the first third of the way, an 2 1/2 to do the rest. About half way thru the morning the clouds moved in and the temperature that had climbed to about 70-72 dropped to 66. While the numbers were a little smaller than the last two weeks, the absolute numbers of birds was high.

Highlights include 2 Green Herons, 3 Red-tailed Hawks (including a beautiful immature). 4 Ospreys on the nest structure and another on the cell tower nearby, 2 excellent looks at Swainson's Thrush, an adult Cooper's Hawk that captured a bird and flew into a tree and plucked and consumed it, a California Quail heard east of the dirt piles, and a group of 10 juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos. Also seen: deer, eastern gray squirrel, bunny, muskrat, painted turtle.

Brian H. Bell, Woodinville

ALL PHOTOS BY OLLIE OLIVER

Anna's Hummingbird